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Author: aaksonova

Meet the EXPOSIM team: Aarhus University

Aarhus University is a flagship institution in Denmark’s higher education landscape. Through its dual focus on exposure science and health economics, Aarhus University plays a central role in connecting environmental stressors to public health impacts and shaping data-driven, evidence-based policy strategies in the EXPOSIM project.

The EXPOSIM project is officially kicked-off

The EXPOSIM project has officially kicked off! On 12 February 2025, the EXPOSIM consortium got together for a two-day kick-off meeting hosted by the project coordinator KU Leuven, setting the project up for a great start.

Funded by the European Union (grant no. 101156311). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. Swiss participants in this project are supported by the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation.

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Federica Madia is the senior toxicologist of the IARC Monographs programme (IARC) in Lyon. Dr Federica Madia received her MS in Biological Sciences and PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology, and a post-grad in Ecotoxicology from the University of Rome Sapienza (Italy). Previously she served as scientific officer at the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), in the group on Chemical Safety and Alternative Methods, where she contributes to the development of novel approaches to testing human systemic toxicity, in particular genotoxicity and carcinogenicity. Before joining the Commission, she was scientist at the USC Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California (US) working on biology of cancer and age-related genomic instability. She also worked at the School of Pharmacy of University of Rome (Italy) on various research projects in the area of human toxicology and pharmacology; and 1-year tenure as toxicology study director in the private sector.

Expertise: Toxicology, Biology of cancer, Carcinogenicity, Evaluation of mechanistic evidence, Cancer hazard identification.

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Gerardo Sanchez is an Environment and Health Expert at the European Environment Agency in Copenhagen. His work focuses on the impacts of environmental and social determinants on health, the environmental burden of disease and prevention policies. Prior to joining the EEA, he worked for the UNEP DTU Partnership, the World Health Organization, the World Bank and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and has been stationed in the USA, Japan, Peru and Germany. He holds a PhD in Health Economics and a Master in Public Health (Fulbright scholar 05-07).

Expertise: Environment and health, Environmental policy, Health Economics

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Deborah Mascalzoni is an Associate Professor in Biomedical Ethics at Uppsala University and leads the ELSI Research Group at the IfB (Eurac Research, Italy). Her main research interests are the broader human rights implications of genetics and new technologies, with a focus on rare diseases and vulnerable communities.Deborah Mascalzoni is interested in ethics and policy for advanced research approaches in genetics and biomaterials with the integration of participants centric approaches. She has been appointed by WHO for the Technical Advisory Group on Genomics. She is fellow of the Helex Center in Oxford and past fellow at the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard.

Expertise: Ethics, biomedical-ethics, policy, patient-centric approaches, patients’ rights

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Hasselt Univesity (UHASSELT)

Hasselt University is a young, independent and innovative university which is regionally anchored and has a pronounced regional, national and international orientation. Academic and scientific freedom, social engagement and attention for ethical standards are the basic principles of Hasselt University’s research and education policy. In the European Commission’s U-Multirank, is ranked in the top ten universities worldwide. The Environmental Epidemiology research domain within the Centre of Environmental Sciences at Hasselt University is embedded in a multidisciplinary national and international network.

role in exposim

In EXPOSIM, the Environmental Epidemiology team of Hasselt University will lead the WP6. By making use of the largest mother-child prospective cohort in Belgium, ENVIRONAGE, including more than 2500 mother-child dyads, WP6 aims to investigate the influence of early life environmental stressors on immune health in early and middle childhood.

UHASSELT website
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Aarhus University (AU)

Since its founding in 1928, Aarhus University (AU) has evolved into a leading public university with a broad international presence and strong research credentials across all fields of study. AU consistently ranks as one of the world’s top universities. It houses around 38,000 students, 10,700 employees, 1,800 PhD students and nearly 1,000 postdoctoral scholars.

Located in Roskilde near Copenhagen, the Department of Environmental Science (ENVS) comprises about 150 employees – alongside its students and guest researchers. ENVS’ interdisciplinary, problem-oriented research covers environmental ecology, environmental and atmospheric chemistry, microbiology, biotechnology and physics (including noise pollution). It also encompasses the economic, political, and social dimensions of environmental issues. Moreover, the department provides research-based advisory services to public authorities.

role in exposim

As an experienced partner in EU projects, AU will lead the WP2. This WP involves modelling external exposome components, mapping the exposure to several environmental stressors – including air pollution, noise, and climatic factors – and the lack of green or blue spaces near people’s homes.

Additionally, AU will co-lead work in WP15 on health economics for informed policymaking, including estimating how costly immune-mediated diseases (IMD) are for patients and society.

AU website
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National Research Centre for the Working Environment (NRCWE)

The NRCWE (National Research Centre for the Working Environment) is Denmark’s largest research institution in occupational health and safety (OSH). As an independent public-sector research institution under the Danish Ministry of Employment, the NRCWE is highly regarded both nationally and internationally for its professionalism, innovation, and its ability to conduct research at the highest international level.

Each year, the NFA publishes around 200 scientific papers, with approximately 70% appearing in leading journals relevant to its core research areas. The NFA’s expertise in OSH spans several key areas, including:

  • Chemistry and Microbiology in the Working Environment
  • Psychological Working Environment
  • Physical Working Environment
  • Safety and Accidents
  • Economics of the Working Environment

role in exposim

We will lead the Exposure-reducing and health-promoting interventions in waste workers. Her we will investigate the exposure of health of workers in waste plants and the impact of interventions to reduce exposure.

We will study Interactions between the exposome and immunome, in a life course perspective, including environmental exposures from fetal to young adult life in the Danish National Birth Cohort, and in adults with focus on both environmental and occupational exposures in the Danish Occupational Cohort with eXposure data (DOC*X).

Additionally, we will participate in work concerning fire fighters.

NRCWE website
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Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH)

NIPH is a government agency under the Ministry of Health and Care Services.  The institute will produce, summarize and communicate knowledge to improve public health in Norway and outside Norway.  Target groups are the general public, municipalities in Norway, national authorities and international organizations. The division of Climate and Environmental Health studies the effects of chemicals (including air pollution), physical factors and climate on human health. The division has the largest group of human toxicologists in Norway. They offer advice to national authorities and the Scientific Committee on Food and the Environment, but also to international organisations like ECHA, EFSA, WHO, and OECD. The Department of Chemical Toxicology focusses on the effects of chemicals on the immunesystem and the developing brain. The department is involved in a number of EU projects like Eximious, ONTOX , Polyrisk, BrainHealth  and PARC Scimago Institutions Rankings (SIR) report from 2024 ranks NIPH among top 8th percentile worldwide for our research.

role in exposim

By using biological samples and clinical data from the intervention study PreventADALL, covering pregnancy until age 3 years, NIPH will investigate the effect of environmental exposures in pregnancy on 1) vaccination responses as a measure of immunosuppression and 2) allergic diseases and lung function, as well as possible causal mechanisms behind observed exposure-health outcome associations by examining immune cell profiling and proteomics data. Additionally, NIPH will perform a literature search on influence of nutritional interventions on immune health.

NIPH website
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The Central Institute for Labour Protection – National Research Institute (CIOP-PIB)

The Central Institute for Labour Protection – National Research Institute (CIOP-PIB) in Poland is a key institution dedicated to improving occupational safety, health, and ergonomics. With a strong focus on research and practical applications, the institute works to identify and mitigate workplace hazards, enhance working conditions, and promote the well-being of employees across various sectors.

CIOP-PIB provides expertise through research projects, the development of safety technologies, and training programs aimed at supporting employers, workers, and policymakers. Its work contributes to creating safer and healthier workplaces, helping to reduce occupational risks and improve overall productivity. CIOP-PIB is also actively engaged in standardization, testing, and certification processes for machinery, manufacturing devices, and personal and collective protective equipment.

As a national leader in labour protection, CIOP-PIB also collaborates with international organizations and networks (PEROSH & EUROSHNET), ensuring that its initiatives align with global standards and best practices. The institute continues to play an important role in fostering a culture of workplace safety in Poland.

role in exposim

CIOP-PIB will be a co-leader in identifying potential risk factors for waste workers, studying markers of inflammation and early signs of health effects, and implementing appropriate preventive measures. We aim to mitigate risks associated with waste workers’ occupational exposures. In addition, he will actively participate in and generate new data in research on biological mechanisms in relation to external exposome components and immune-mediated diseases.

CIOP website
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FUNDACIO HOSPITAL UNIVERSITARI VALL D'HEBRON - INSTITUT DE RECERCA (VHIR)

We are a public sector institution dedicated to promoting and developing biomedical research, innovation, and teaching at Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, located in Barcelona, Spain. Since our establishment in 1994, we have been committed to identifying and implementing new solutions to society’s health problems. Our efforts have led us to achieve leadership and excellence in clinical and translational biomedical research, both nationally and internationally. We strive to bridge the gap between laboratory research and patient care, ensuring that scientific advancements translate into tangible health benefits. Our multidisciplinary teams work collaboratively to address complex health challenges, fostering an environment of continuous learning and innovation. Through our dedication, we aim to improve health outcomes and contribute to the global scientific community. Additionally, our strategic location in Barcelona, a hub for scientific research and innovation, enhances our ability to collaborate with leading institutions and attract top talent from around the world.

role in exposim

The role of VHIR in the EXPOSIM project includes mapping exposure-induced immune effects by connecting the exposome and the immunome, assessing exposure, and conducting multi-omics analysis. VHIR will investigate the impact of environmental exposures on immune-mediated respiratory diseases, such as asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Additionally, VHIR will explore stakeholders’ understanding of exposure-related illnesses and ensure compliance with ethics requirements. Efficient and secure data management will also be a key responsibility, ensuring the confidentiality of sensitive information throughout the project.

VHIR website
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accelopment Schweiz AG

accelopment is a Swiss SME that assists research institutions and companies in EU project management and the dissemination and exploitation of project results. It is specialised in European research and innovation support initiatives, such as Horizon Europe and the SME focused Eurostars programme. accelopment’s multi-disciplinary and highly qualified staff has over 25 years of experience in EU and national funded projects in Health, Biochemistry, Energy, ICT, Materials and other areas.

Since its foundation in 2008, accelopment has collaborated with more than 1,000 organisations in Europe and beyond, starting with the 7th Framework Programme and continuing into Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe. accelopment is ISO 9001 certified and internationally accredited by IQnet and members of the Swiss Association for Quality and Management Systems.

role in exposim

accelCH leads the work package on dissemination, exploitation and communication. This includes the development of materials and content, monitoring and evaluating the implementation of dissemination and communication activities. 

accelopment website
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Biogenity ApS

Biogenity is a Contract Research Organization (CRO) specializing in comprehensive omics research and discovery. They offer a wide range of services encompassing proteomics, metabolomics, transcriptomics, and multiomics, facilitating every step from sample preparation and analysis to data interpretation of biological findings. Their tailored workflows support biomarker discovery, treatment effect monitoring, and personalized medicine development.

Additionally, Biogenity provides specialized services such as data cleaning, statistical analysis, bioinformatics, and AI-powered data processing, ensuring high-quality, actionable insights for both academic and industrial research projects.

With a passion for research, Biogenity also participates in EU projects like EXIMIOUS and EXPOSIM to advance basic research and develop new methods and tools, expanding the boundaries of knowledge derived from omics data using bioinformatics and machine learning.

role in exposim

As a company experienced in analyzing omics data, developing data analytics pipelines, and advancing bioinformatics, Biogenity will lead major tasks in building an omics-linked knowledgebase and analyzing omics data within the consortium. This includes constructing knowledge graphs to map the landscape of selected areas within the exposome, incorporating associated biomarker hypotheses identified in the PubMed database and experimental data from the consortium.

Additionally, Biogenity will leverage machine learning to extract relevant omics features for biomarker discovery and the creation of predictive models.

Biogenity ApS website
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NOVA National School of Public Health (UNL)

For more than five decades, NOVA NSPH has been active in the development of Public Health, both in Portugal and internationally. NOVA NSPH has a consolidated and diversified training offer, ensuring the training of highly differentiated health leaders and professionals. It also develops research of quality and excellence with national and international relevance. NOVA NSPH is also strongly committed to the community, through institutional cooperation and intersectoral partnerships, strengthening lifelong education and designing, implementing, and evaluating health interventions and policies.

role in exposim

As an institution with expertise on environmental and occupational health, human toxicology, exposure science, social sciences and health economics, NOVA NSPH will lead and cooperate work on these areas in different tasks.

NOVA NSPH website
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KU Leuven

For 600 years, KU Leuven has been driven by unending curiosity and a search for knowledge. KU Leuven features consistently in Europe’s top-15 universities within the Times Higher Education ranking. Worldwide our university ranks #45 in the 2024 edition of the same ranking.

KU Leuven is a research intensive university, a setting for both fundamental and applied research, with a strong inter- and multidisciplinary background and a clear international orientation. We aim for research excellence, a contribution to societal and cultural debates and the realization of a real knowledge society.

In 2023, KU Leuven reported a total research expenditure of € 739.9 M, excluding University Hospitals Leuven. 81.1% of our acquired funding stems from external sources: 45.1% from competitive regional or national funders, 8.6% from European funding (FP7/H2020) and 27.4% through industrial contracts.

In Horizon Europe, KU Leuven participates in 334 projects (coordinating 130 projects), ranking 1st with regard to the budget awarded (€ 207.6 M) and.number of projects in the league of Higher Educations (HES) Institues. In the MSCA-Doctoral Network programme, KU Leuven is the leading HES with 53 projects focusing on the training of young scientists.

role in exposim

As an experienced coordinator will lead major aspects of coordination including research and data management.

Additionally, KU Leuven will lead work on internal exposome modelling and characterization. KU Leuven will generate new data for a better understanding of the biological mechanisms in relation to external exposome components and immune-mediated diseases.

KU Leuven D will lead work package 9: Exposure-reducing and health-promoting interventions in firefighters. Within this work package, we will collect data about the exposure of firefighters during warm training when different kinds of materials, such as wood, oil, plastic or gas, are set on fire and the impact of technical and behavioural interventions.

The Intego environmental team will try to study the links between environmental factors and immune diseases using a large set of data from GP’S in Belgium linked to those environmental factors.

KU Leuven website